Scentual Scented Candles

If you've been on my website within the last month you may have noticed I have a new packaging project. It's candle and incense packaging which meant getting to play with 2 very different formats. I also got to play with hand type and calligraphy for the logo. I still have a pile of mock up ideas on my desk which haven't quite made it to the recycling bin yet. I'm sure when they start to get too in the way I'll get annoyed enough to bin them, but for now they have become a decorative part of my work space. If you haven't had a look at the new Scentual project then here it is along side a bit of sketchbook work.

Watermelon

Here is a little preview of what I've been up to recently. It's part of a packaging project for incense sticks. It was very difficult to illustrate due to the fact I love watermelon and couldn't stop eating it, but luckily I still had a slice left to paint from.

Bee

My first post in 2015! I love bees and so far I've never been stung by one. I was a bit put off for a while when a few of them started coming down my chimney but I can't hold a grudge against something that is disappearing so quickly.

The 'Christmas Look'

Last year and this year I've been paying more attention to what kind of things are considered 'Christmasy'. I tend to still think of Christmas colours as green, red, gold and silver, and in addition to Christmas colours there are winter colours like icy blue and white. It's strange to still have that idea considering how long that's not actually been the case. At the risk of sounding old, it's probably due to what I was used to seeing as a child. A lot of Christmas wrapping paper has floral patterns instead of snowflakes and is bright pink instead of red.
Something in particular stood out to me though and that's the use of owls, usually in hats and scarves, on wrapping paper and Christmas cards. Its a fun little idea and not that surprising really, considering how owls became quite trendy. That and Russian dolls (which when I first glanced at them I thought they were wise men) seem to be trying to edge their way in next to snowmen, robbins and snowflakes. And of course Scottie Dogs in hats- great news for all dog lovers.
Christmas has long since moved away from its original purpose for many to make way for Santa, Christmas trees and reindeer and as long as its making money, it will continue to grow into something different. Its great news for artists who want to try new colours and ideas and generally just want to keep ideas fresh and fluid. For me, I will always try to keep in mind what Christmas is actually about and simply enjoy all the different looks its bound to have and take full advantage of any creative avenues it may go down.

Flowers (Work in progress)

Last year I was hill walking and took some photos, so I've started an illustration of one of them. Its a little flat looking so far but it's on the right track.

Goldfish

I don't have much in the way of illustration to show for the last couple of weeks as I've been dealing with the somewhat boring and tedious part of being an illustrator. On the other hand I spent a fun week going around galleries in Edinburgh and Glasgow, so I really can't complain. It's always refreshing to spend time away from your own work and looking a someone else's (even if a few modern art pieces had me totally perplexed). I also spent a week re-decorating my studio! Although I'm not sure having a cream coloured wall in front of my desk was a wise decision… Anyway here's a recent painting of a goldfish.

New online shop

You might have noticed my online shop has changed. You can still buy prints (including framed prints) canvases, phone cases, bags, kitchenware, clocks and cushions just like before. If you want to have a look around my new shop click here